Låt den rätte komma in (Let The Right One In)

Rating:  

Directed By: Tomas Alfredson

Starring: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson

Screenplay: John Ajvide Lindqvist (based on his novel)

Plot Synopsis:

Oskar is a 12 year-old schoolboy from a sleepy Swedish suburb who longs to stand up to a group of bullies making his life hell. When he gets a new and unusual neighbour in the form of a young girl called Eli, she holds a secret that may be just what Oskar needs to make his stand. But as he begins to fall for her, dark consequences lie ahead. (TrailerAddict)

Review:

Horror movies are generally known for their unsettling content, the gore, monsters or sense of dread.  Rarely are they known for their stillness and beauty.  Tomas Alfredson‘s Let The Right One In, based on the novel of the same name (Låt den rätte komma in in Swedish) by John Ajvide Lindqvist, is a rare film that combines all the above.  I have never seen a horror film as beautiful as Let The Right One In.

This is a rare review as I don’t want to give too much away.  Let The Right One In is a film that relies on your discovery as a viewer.  I think the synopsis gives away all you need to know.

What I do want to praise is the performances and the stunning cinematography.  Child actors are hit or miss.  In Let The Right One In, the two leads are only 12 or 13, but their performances are really special here.  All the supporting cast do their part, but this story centers around Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant) and his unlikely friendship with Eli (Lina Leandersson).  If their performances were of a lesser caliber, this film could had collapsed under the weight of the subject matter.  But they both deliver on all levels and lift this movie to heights far above expectations.

The cinematography is amazing also.  Filmed in Sweden during the winter, there is a magical stillness with the whole look of the movie.  From the snowflakes drifting through each scene, to the stunning Swedish landscapes, this is a movie that warrants a viewing in High Def if you’re able.

If you’re a fan of horror, Let The Right One In is required viewing.  It’s a film that requires a certain sense of patience and is not your general hack and slash gorefest.  But, the pay-off is highly rewarding.  Let The Right One In lifts above the expectations of the genre and accomplishes something I’ve rarely seen in a horror film.  This will be regarded as one of the few horror classics of our generation.  It’s a shame an American remake is on the way.

Rated R for some bloody violence including disturbing images, brief nudity and language.